Graham Turnbull talks with Vernon Vipers headcoach/gm Jason McKee about training camp and the up coming season.
The full press release is on the Vernon Vipers twitter account,
https://twitter.com/VernonVipers/status/1304834997262585857
Graham Turnbull talks with Vernon Vipers head
It would be nice if the Vipers would post a list of the kids at training camp for us "the fans" to see. I'm also wondering what's the big secret of not telling us who is returning from last year? Can someone from the Vipers let the fans know who is back from last season? Thank you. Several rumors on this blog, but nothing has been official from the Vipers.
ReplyDeleteI wonder when the BCHL will release the exhibition schedule?
My source told me the our head coach and owners were not pleased with last year's team. They did not like the work ethic or play during the games. Based on his coaching experience in the WHL the Viper organization is trying to remake the team. I was told they are aiming to rebuild the team focussed on being competitive for the 2021/2022 season. That is probably why they do not want to disclose the roster yet as they are probably trying to make trades to bring in players more to their liking.
ReplyDeleteA whole lot of nothing from that interview. Salmon Arm, Trail, West Kelowna and Penticton all with player news and updates to keep their fans interested and informed. Season ticket holders and Viper fans in general expect and deserve to be informed as to whats going on with the team but then again the management has basically done little this off season to improve the club and create interest in this years team. Should we expect more..YES does Jason Mckee get it ..No!
ReplyDeleteThey don't want to disclose the roster because they can't get quality players to come to Vernon anymore. Believe that
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't they bring Karki back? They never even gave him a chance. It looks like 2020/21 is just a long exhibition season for the Vipers and their fans.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you they should have brought Karki back. He came from the WHL so you would have thought the head coach would want to keep him. It seems there is not a plan for the team.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes you think Karki is better than Herbst or Palaga? There will only one 20 year old and the latter 2 are far more experienced and better than Karki.
ReplyDeleteKarki is American’— perhaps he couldn’t get across the border ? Or with a GAA of 3.19 and a save % of 880, perhaps the Vipers decided he wasn’t a fit, as they still have Herbst, Porter, Palaga that are eligible to return…with Winnipeg picking up Karki’s WHL rights, maybe the decision was made !
ReplyDeleteI checked into Karki's background. He has played at a high level for a long time in the US and at one time was one of the highest rated goalies for the 2000 birthyear at one time. I think the Viper organization should try to make amends with him as they could likely lean on him for this upcoming season.
ReplyDeleteKarki has never had a save percentage higher than .897 his best year of GAA 3.05 as a 16yr old....his WHL rights now belong to Winnipeg ( who also own two Jr A teams) Not sure if Palaga is playing this year (due to previous injury) however both Herbst and Porter are possible options to return ........Obviously the Vipers will need a 20 yr old starter !
ReplyDeleteI doubt an experienced goalie will come to Vernon. I saw most of the games last year. Our head coach is the type that when the team loses or doesn't play well he seems to blame on the goalies. There was one game late in the season he pulled Herbst, put Karki in and then put Herbst back in. I can imagine that playing goalie is a mentally tough position and if you are forced to play the position always looking over your shoulder you likely won't play with a high level of confidence. This would always drive me crazy because some of the players they brought in last year always gave the puck up in front of Karki, Porter or Herbst; almost seemed like they were passing it to the other team on purpose. Our coach never seemed to address that issue as it went on the entire season.
ReplyDeleteI listened to the majority of Graham Turnball’s post game shows, not once did I hear Mckee specifically blame the goalies...perhaps you could post which post game interviews you were referring to ???
ReplyDeleteInteresting fact.. since the BCHL trade freeze was lifted on June 01, there have been 66 trades or transactions with more than a 132 players being involved. The only teams not making a move..Vernon and Cranbrook
ReplyDeleteOn July 2 2020 The Vipers acquired the CJHL playing rights to Jarrod Semchuk from the Alberta Junior Hockey League Bonnyville Pontiacs for future considerations.
ReplyDeleteI apologize that I overlooked that acquisition..a proven goal scorer
ReplyDeleteJason McKee & the Vipers must be confident and close to picking there team if they only have 30 kids at training camp this year.
ReplyDeleteI never heard the coach mention the goalies on the post game show. However if you spend time by the bench you will hear him yelling and blaming the goalies even after the frequent turnovers by the defensemen in front of the net.
ReplyDeleteFYI Jarrod Semchuk is no longer with the team
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to Jarrod?
ReplyDeleteBooby C......we all know it takes Two teams to make a trade, you seem to know the team personal, which of the returning players do you think hold trade value ? That you would want to move ? Especially considering the overall uncertainty of the season !
ReplyDeleteThe current BCHL training camp model allows ONLY 30 kids at camp...new Covid restrictions !
ReplyDeleteThe Penticton Vees have over 30 players. The Vees held there annual Peaches Cup (Blue/White inter-squad game) on Friday. How does that work?
ReplyDeleteThe only players that hold trade value in my opinion are Taylor, Macdonald, Herbst and JoJo but for me they would be untouchable. But if the season was to some how go south in a hurry the Vipers could unload everyone at the trade deadline and hopefully get a good return..kinda like West K last year
ReplyDeleteBobby C......I agree with you 100 %.......however in your earlier post you made mention of Vipers not making a trade ...your latest post lays it out much differently.............lets hope there is some sort of season !
ReplyDeleteI think the Vipers should trade Herbst and MacDonald to start building for next year. Does anyone agree.
ReplyDeleteThinking it would be very tough to maximize any assets in the present hockey landscape,what team will be willing to trade assets,not knowing if there is even going to be a season ? By the looks of the posted roster,Mcdonald could very well lead the Vipers in scoring,as most of last years "Points" aged out. If there is a season,and a Trade deadline,perhaps make a move for next year at that point,but to trade a starting goalie,top point guy,now.. makes ZERO sense !
ReplyDeleteYou are correct. I was probably over reacting. It just feels like this year's team is so young with not much experience to rely on. So each game we just hope McDonald scores a few goals and Herbst hangs in there?
ReplyDeleteThe Vipers have made six cuts and are down to 25 players. Reilly Herbst is no longer listed on the teams roster.
ReplyDelete